In this article, we will take a look at the top 20 ballet companies in the world. For more companies, head on over to Top 5 Ballet Companies in the World.
Importance of Concerts and Live Entertainment Industry
According to a report by Oxford Economics, the concerts and live entertainment industry in the United States is an important driver of the nation's economy, supporting businesses, households, and government finances. The report estimates that the sector supported 913,000 jobs with associated labor income of around $42.2 billion in 2019 as part of its $132.6 billion total economic impact on the nation. Moreover, an estimated $9.3 billion in federal tax revenues and $8.3 billion in state and local taxes were generated by the concerts and live entertainment sector in 2019, contributing to a total fiscal effect of $17.5 billion.
Live Entertainment Sector Rebounds Post-Covid-19
Several businesses were severely impacted by COVID-19, but the live entertainment industry was possibly the worst-affected. Venue owners and artists endured hardships from being unable to work for months. However, after two years of pandemic cancellations, disruptions, and delays, live events are making a significant comeback, and many people are eager to resume having unique live experiences.
This enthusiasm is already apparent in the overall revenue made by ticketing firms like Eventbrite, Inc. (NYSE:EB), and Vivid Seats Inc. (NASDAQ:SEAT), as well as the live event specialist Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:LYV).
For instance, Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:LYV) generated a total of $16.7 billion in revenue in February 2022, up significantly from over six billion a year earlier. Similarly, Eventbrite, Inc. (NYSE:EB), reported annual revenue of $260.9 million in 2022, a 39.43% growth from 2021.
Although a variety of events are held in the live entertainment sector, including concerts, theater performances, comedy shows, dance performances, and more, we will specifically examine ballet in this article.
Ballet is a light, soothing, and graceful dance that first appeared in the fifteenth century during the Italian Renaissance. It later evolved into a concert dance form in France and Russia. Its gestures share some similarities with sacrificial dances performed in ancient Egypt. Additionally, it features stunning clothes and stage scenery along with a type of classical music accompaniment.
Ballet Performance Market: An Analysis
According to an industry analysis report, the global Ballet Performance market was valued at $159 million in 2020 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 16.8% from 2021 through 2027, reaching a value of $639.8 million at the end of the forecasted period. Classical Ballet Performance, with a market share of more than 75%, is the largest segment in terms of product. Furthermore, in terms of application, the largest application is 18-34 years old. Based on the report, the Ballet Performance market is dominated by Europe, with a share of approximately 55%, followed by North America and Asia Pacific, each with a share of about 38%.
Numerous significant trends and factors, including globalization, sustainability, demographic changes, economic growth, technological advancements, e-commerce, and political and regulatory risks, are having an impact on the global Ballet Performance market. Businesses that can adapt to shifting market conditions are more likely to flourish, in accordance with the report, as the sector is dynamic and constantly changing.
With these details in mind, let’s take a look at some of the top ballet companies in the world.
Our Methodology
To determine the top companies in the global ballet market, we carried out an extensive analysis of industry reports and publications. We reviewed the financial statements, number of dancers, geographical reach, and the number of shows performed annually to assess their scale of operations. The list includes private companies. These companies are listed in accordance with their annual revenue figures, the data for which has been collected from many sources including Datanyze, Rocket Reach, and Kona Equity among others.
Please note that for some companies that made it to our list, we have estimated their revenues based on revenue figures of their parent organization.
Joburg Ballet, formed in 2001 by six dancers, is a ballet dance company based within the Joburg Theatre, Johannesburg, South Africa. The company became well-known for nurturing young dancers from different backgrounds and taking a contemporary approach to traditional ballet.
While attempting to add a South African spin to the classics, it has won the audience's respect and devotion for its creative performances.
Ballet Black, a professional ballet company for international dancers of black and Asian descent, is based in Marylebone, London. The company, with 8 dancers and an extensive repertoire of specially commissioned choreography from both established and emerging choreographers, was founded in 2001.
Ballet Black have been nominated for numerous awards. Some of these include The Critics' Circle National Dance Awards, Sky Arts, and Oliviers.
Alonzo King LINES Ballet, founded in 1982, is an American contemporary ballet company based in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Through collaboration, performance, and education, the company aims to foster dynamic artistry and the growth of genuine creative expression in dance.
17. Mariinsky Ballet
Estimated Revenue of the Company (in millions): $7.0
The Mariinsky Ballet, founded in 1740, is the resident classical ballet company of the Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg, Russia. With its breathtaking and moving performances, this renowned Russian company has astounded audiences all over the world.
The company's classical ballets include Apollo, Carnaval, In the Night, and Symphony in C among others.
English National Ballet, founded by Dame Alicia Markova and Sir Anton Dolin in 1950, is one of the five major ballet companies in Great Britain. Through performances in the UK and on prestigious international venues, it makes world-class ballet accessible to the broadest audience possible.
Boston Ballet, since 1963, has been one of the leading dance companies in the world. The Company, led by Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen and Executive Director Meredith Max Hodges, maintains a varied repertoire that includes both classic ballets and contemporary works by some of the best choreographers.
The 69 dancers of the company, who represent the very best in global talent, come from 11 different countries.
Birmingham Royal Ballet, established in 1946, is one of the major ballet companies of the United Kingdom. The company has significant custom-built facilities. These include a suite of dance studios, a studio theatre known as the Patrick Centre, and the Jerwood Centre for the Prevention and Treatment of Dance Injuries.
In order to inspire choreographers and composers of the future, the company presents a variety of traditional, classical, and heritage ballets in addition to ground-breaking contemporary works.
The Joffrey Ballet, located in Chicago, Illinois, is one of the principal American dance companies.
The company has developed a reputation for performing unconventionally, as seen in its 1987 production of Vaslav Nijinsky's The Rite of Spring.
Several choreographers, including Twyla Tharp, Paul Taylor, and George Balanchine, have created works for Joffrey Ballet in addition to its founders Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino.
The Australian Ballet, founded in 1962 by artistic director Dame Peggy van Praagh, is a classical ballet company based in Melbourne, Australia. In the list of well-known ballet companies with histories that span more than 200 years, The Australian Ballet is a relatively new name. Nevertheless, with about 180 performances each year, it is one of the busiest ballet companies.
It currently performs mostly in the Sydney Opera House and the Melbourne State Theater and has up to 80 talented dancers. The company also performs in Paris, London, and other major cities abroad including New York, Moscow, Athens, Prague, Singapore, Tokyo, Taiwan, and Shanghai.
American Ballet Theatre, founded in 1939 by Lucia Chase and Richard Pleasant, is a classical ballet company based in New York City. It travels throughout the United States each year and is recognized by the US Congress as a "National Treasure of America."
The company consistently brings the best dance to audiences throughout the world and produces some of the most beautiful ballets of the twentieth century.
The Hong Kong Ballet, one of Asia's premier ballet companies, was created in 1979. With about 50 dancers from all over the world, it has gained both regional and global reputation. Its repertory consists of acclaimed productions of the classics by Nina Ananiashvili, Cynthia Harvey, Anna-Marie Holmes, John Meehan, and many other renowned artists.
The dancers of the company have performed on nearly 50 tours across 11 different nations in Asia, Europe, and the US.
Pacific Northwest Ballet, one of the largest and most highly regarded ballet companies in the world, is based in Seattle, Washington. The company, which consists of nearly 50 dancers, has performed in Europe, Australia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Canada, and throughout the United States, with celebrated appearances at Jacob's Pillow and in New York City and Washington DC.
It is most known for its performance of the Stowell/Maurice Sendak Nutcracker.
8. Dutch National Ballet
Estimated Revenue of the Company (in millions): $39.0
The Dutch National Ballet, based at the Dutch National Opera & Ballet, was formed in 1961 when the Amsterdam Ballet and the Nederlands Ballet merged. The company’s classical ballets include Swan Lake, Ballet Bubbles, Messa Da Requiem, and Back to Ballet among others.
The talented group of dancers at the company includes recognized soloists like Timothy van Poucke, Salome Leverashvili, and several others.
7. Royal Danish Ballet
Estimated Revenue of the Company (in millions): $45.0
The Royal Danish Ballet, based out of the famed Royal Theater in Copenhagen, Denmark, is an internationally renowned classical ballet company. The company, led by artistic director Nikolaj Hubbe, is centered on the Bournonville-tradition.
Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, The Sleeping Beauty, and Giselle are just a few of the company's classical ballets.
The National Ballet of Canada, founded in 1951 in Toronto, Ontario, is a Canadian ballet company. Celia Franca, a legendary ballerina who performed as a prima donna on stage until the age of 60, is the company's founder.
Productions by the most well-known masters of the 20th and 21st centuries, including Wayne McGregor, Frederick Ashton, and Rudolf Nureyev, are included in the company's repertoire.
